ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS - RECENT ADVANCES IN PATHOGENESIS AND THERAPY

Although the pathogenesis of alcoholic hepatitis is not fully understo od, significant progress has been achieved in recent years. The role o f the immune system in initiating and perpetuating the injury is being defined. Abstinence from alcohol is probably the most effective treat ment. Nutritional support has not had a consistently beneficial effect on survival rates. There is renewed interest in the use of corticoste roids in patients with severe disease. Orthotopic liver transplantatio n is appropriate for some patients with end-stage liver disease.